Cardio Flashcards
(99 cards)
CAD MCC, primary vs secondary prevention
*leading cause of mortality in the US
MCC: atherosclerosis
Primary prevention = risk factor reduction
*smoking cessation
*diet
*hypertension
– BP goal <140/90 for adults <60yo, <150/90 for ≥60yo
*hyperlipidemia
– LDL goal <130mg/dL
*diabetes
– A1c goal <7.0%
*ASA 81mg QD
– when 10yr CVD risk >20% in nondiabetics
– when 10yr CVD risk >10% in diabetics
Secondary prevention = pharmacologic therapy
*ASA 81mg QD
*clopidogrel & ticagrelor
*statins
*beta blockers
*ACEI
Stable Angina Pectoris definition and EKG findings
Myocardial ischemia: myocardial oxygen demand exceeds oxygen supply
*results when a fixed coronary plaque prevents sufficient blood supply through a coronary artery at times of increased O2 demand, resulting in predictable chest discomfort during times of physical or emotional stress
EKG Ischemia Findings:
*T wave flattening, hyperacute T waves (peaked)
*T wave inversions (TWI)
*ST depressions
Stable Angina sx, dx, tx
HX: man >50y or woman >60y; complains of episodic chest discomfort – heaviness, pressure, squeezing, smothering, choking (not sharp)
*pt often localizes pain over sternum
*typically lasts 2-30min
*may radiate to arms, back, jaw/neck, shoulders
Episodes caused by exertion/emotional upset & relieved by rest/NTG
Atypical angina, “anginal equivalents”
*dyspnea, N/V, fatigue, diaphoresis, faintness
*women, diabetics, elderly
dx
*total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glucose (A1C), creatinine, hematocrit
UA: examine for DM & renal disease (including microalbuminuria)
CBC: anemia can aggravate angina
TFTs: hyperthyroidism can aggravate angina, hypothyroidism can lead to atherosclerosis
CRP >3mg/L is an independent risk factor for myocardial ischemia
EKG: +/- ST depressions, T wave inversions; normal in absence of symptoms
Stress testing: nuclear perfusion imaging, ECHO
Gold standard: cardiac catheterization, coronary CT angiography
Tx
Acute TX: sublingual nitroglycerin q5min up to 3x
RF TX: hyperlipidemia, HTN, DM, smoking cessation
Prevention Therapy:
1) beta blockers, first-line therapy
2) nitrates, take ~5min before activity
3) aspirin 75-325mg/d
4) high-intensity statin regardless of baseline LDL
ACEI/ARBs
CCBs: indicated if beta blockers are contraindicated, poorly tolerated, or ineffective
Coronary vasospasm: Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal or Variant Angina)
definition, sx, dx, tx
PATHO: focal or diffuse spasm of epicardial coronary artery resulting in dynamic high-grade obstruction
*vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity
Cocaine: can induce ischemia & infarction by causing coronary artery vasoconstriction via alpha-1 receptor activation
sx
Chest pain/angina characteristics:
*CP indistinguishable from obstructive CAD
*occurs predominantly at rest, often 12am to early morning
*lasts 5-15 minutes, responds rapidly to NTG
dx
COVADIS Diagnostic Criteria:
1) nitrate-responsive angina
2) transient ischemic EKG changes
3) angiographic evidence of coronary artery spasm
EKG: normal between episodes
*transient ST-elevation/depression
If ⊕ EKG findings 🡪 cardiac troponins to r/o MI
*troponins ⊖ in vasospastic angina
Exercise stress test, ambulatory EKG monitoring
tx
*sublingual NTG
*smoking cessation
*ASCVD risk factor modification
CCBs: diltiazem, amlodipine, etc.
*prevent vasoconstriction & promote vasodilation in coronary vasculature
Beta Blocker MOA
MOA: beta-1 receptor antagonism; ↓ myocardial oxygen demand
*↓ HR (⊖chronotropy), ↓ contractility (⊖inotropy), ↓ LV wall tension (↓ preload)
Contraindications: vasospastic (variant) angina, acute HF, 2nd/3rd degree heart block
ADRs: bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, depression
Warning: can mask signs of hypoglycemia in pts w/ diabetes
BOXED WARNING: do not stop BB therapy abruptly = rebound angina
Nitrates MOA
MOA: nitrates release nitric oxide (NO) within smooth muscle cells which causes ↑ cGMP, leading to relaxation of vessels
*↓ myocardial O2 demand: ↓ venous return (↓ preload) which ↓ LV wall tension
*↑ myocardial O2 supply: ↑ blood flow through collateral arteries (non-atherosclerotic arteries)
Indications (short-acting): recommended for all patients w/ angina for immediate relief
Indications (long-acting): used when beta blockers are contraindicated or as add-on therapy
Contraindications: use w/ PDE-5 inhibitors
CCB MOA (DHP vs nonDHP)
MOA: inhibit calcium entry/release into myocardial cell, ↓ cardiac workload & O2 demand
*↑ myocardial blood supply
DHP
Indications: stable angina, Prinzmetal; preferred over non-DHP when used in combo w/ BB
Non-DHPs
Indications: unstable angina (Verapamil), stable angina
Contraindications: SBP <90, cardiogenic shock, 2nd/3rd degree AV block, acute MI, pulmonary congestion
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) definition and types
ACS is spectrum of unstable cardiac ischemia
*UA ↔ NSTEMI ↔ STEMI
Unstable Angina (UA):
*ischemia w/o necrosis, partial obstruction
*+/- EKG findings, ⊖biomarkers
Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI):
*ischemia w/ necrosis, partial obstruction
*+/- EKG findings, ⊕biomarkers
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI):
*ischemia w/ necrosis, complete obstruction
*⊕EKG findings, ⊕biomarkers
PATHO: insufficient O2 supply to cardiac muscle demands
*progressive growth of atherosclerotic lesions within the coronary arteries ⇢ decreased luminal diameter & coronary blood flow
*acute coronary plaque disruption ⇢ exposed thrombogenic endothelium ⇢ platelet aggregation & thrombus formation
Early Complications of MI:
*heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bradyarrhythmias, AV block, tachyarrhythmias
*LV free wall rupture, interventricular septum rupture, papillary muscle rupture
Late Complications of MI:
*LV thrombus, LV aneurysm
*Pleuropericarditis (Dressler Syndrome)
– 2-10wk post-MI fever, leukocytosis, friction rub
– pericardial or pleural effusion
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) sx
UA: new-onset angina, angina w/ increasing frequency or duration, angina w/ minimal exertion or at rest
MC: substernal chest tightness/pressure
*radiates to L arm, neck/jaw, epigastrium
*occurs at rest, lasts >30min
Levine sign: clenched fist over chest
Associated S/SXS:
*dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea
*sense of impending doom
Atypical, “silent” presentation: dyspnea, weakness, sweating, N/V, epigastric pain, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue
*women, elderly, diabetics
PE: often nonspecific
*pallor, diaphoresis, tachypnea
Cardiogenic Shock: hypotension, tachycardia, confusion, diaphoresis, pallor
Heart Failure: JVD, pulmonary crackles, S3/S4 gallop, MR murmur
RV Infarction:
➀ hypotension ➁ JVD ➂ clear lung fields
plus ⇨ evidence of inferior MI on EKG
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) dx
EKG within 10mins of arrival, 1st often not diagnostic
*repeat q15-30mins until definitive diagnosis made
STEMI EKG Findings:
*ST elevations ≥1mm in 2 contiguous leads
*new LBBB, new Q waves
UA/NSTEMI EKG Findings:
*normal, T wave inversions, ST depressions
⊕EKG changes in inferior leads ⇢ think RV infarction!!
» get R-sided EKG
» ⊕RV infarction (RCA) = ST elevation in V4R
ST depression* in V1 & V2 = posterior infarction
Cardiac enzymes: initial, 3-6h later
*high sensitivity cardiac troponins I & T preferred
*CK-MB
» rise within 3-4h, peak 12-24h, normalize in 1-2d
*myoglobin
» rise within 1-2h, peak 4-6h, normalize in 24h
STEMI/NSTEMI = ⊕biomarkers, UA = ⊖biomarkers
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) tx
AMI protocol: EKG within 10min, door to PCI within 90min (120min w/ travel to PCI facility)
IMMEDIATE MEASURES FOR ALL PTS: ANOM
*aspirin 162-325mg chewed (non-enteric-coated)
*0.4mg SL NTG q5min x3 dose MAX
*O2 (if SpO2 <90%), morphine (if refractory to NTG)
Initiate within first 24h:
*beta blocker
*ACEI/ARB
*high-intensity statin
ADDITIONAL THERAPIES FOR ALL ACS:
*antiplatelet drug (P2Y12) + AC (UFH, LMWH)
STEMI: reperfusion therapy, PCI preferred
» placement of drug-eluting stent (DES) MC
*fibrinolysis only recommended if PCI unavailable within 120min
UA/NSTEMI: TIMI score to assess need for PCI
*fibrinolysis NOT useful in UA/NSTEMI
DISHCARGE MEDS FOR ALL PTS:
*DAPT (ASA 81mg + P2Y12) continued ≥1y
» ASA 81mg indefinitely even after P2Y12 DC’d
*beta blocker + ACEI + statin continued indefinitely
Aspirin MOA
MOA: irreversibly binds to/inhibits COX-1/COX-2 enzymes, dose-related effects
*COX-1 inhibition = TXA2 inhibition = ↓ platelet activation/aggregation, ↓ vasodilation
– cardioprotective effects 75-160mg
CI: Reyes
ADP Receptor Antagonists (P2Y12 Inhibitors) aka clopidogrel MOA
MOA: bind ADP P2Y12 platelet receptor, inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation
Indications: ACS
– Clopidogrel: ACS, secondary prevention of MI, stroke, & PAD
Indirect Thrombin Inhibitors aka enoxaparin MOA
MOA: bind to antithrombin III to accelerate its activity which enhances inactivation of thrombin & factor Xa, prevents new clot formation
Indications: ACS, VTE
Tissue Plasminogen Activators MOA
MOA: activate plasminogen to plasmin which degrades fibrin
Indications: STEMI ONLY, alternative if PCI unavailable within 120min & sxs onset ≤12h, less evidence if sxs onset 12-24h
Absolute Contraindications: active internal bleed, any hx of ICH, CVA in past 1y, known intracranial neoplasm, suspected aortic dissection or pericarditis
Sinus tachy defintion, sx, dx, tx
*HR 100 – (220 – age)bpm; *faster rates usually imply a different cause
*gradual onset/termination, P wave identical to NSR
S/SXS: usually only in patients w/ underlying cardiac disease
*SOB, CP
dx: EKG: HR >100bpm
tx
*treat underlying etiology if possible
*asymptomatic patients usually don’t require tx
*beta blockers, CCBs, possibly Ivabradine
Sinus Brady defintion, sx, dx, tx
*HR <55-60bpm, often normal finding in highly conditioned athletes
*incidence increases w/ age
S/SXS: dizziness, weakness, fatigue, & syncope
EKG: rate <60bpm
*treat underlying cause if possible
– Glucagon for beta blocker OD, calcium for CCB OD
Stable: DC any AV nodal blocking agents, monitor
Unstable: give atropine w/ escalation to dopamine or epinephrine drip (ACLS protocol)
*transcutaneous/transvenous pacing
Permanent pacemaker: consider for symptomatic patients, 3rd degree AV block, symptomatic ≥5sec pause in AFIB
Sinus Node Dysfunction (SND) “Sick Sinus Syndrome” definition, sx, dx, tx
SND: abnormality in SA node action potential generation or conduction
➀ Inappropriate sinus bradycardia
➁ Alternating bradycardia & atrial tachyarrhythmias (tachy-brady syndrome)
➂ Sinus pause/arrest: sinus pause >3s = sinus arrest (+/- escape rhythm)
➃ SA nodal exit block
▪︎Type I: progressively shorter P-P intervals followed by dropped P wave
▪︎Type II: pauses in sinus rhythm that are multiples of basic sinus rates
➄ Chronotropic incompetence: inability to ⇡ HR to match demand from ⇡ activity
MCC: sinus node degeneration & fibrosis; often involves other parts of conduction system
Often asymptomatic at first w/ symptoms developing over time
S/SXS: exercise intolerance, fatigue, dizziness, HA, nausea, palpitations, CP, SOB, syncope
tx
Unstable: urgent atropine, temporary cardiac pacing
First search for reversible causes
*beta blockers, CCBs, digoxin
*ischemia, autonomic imbalance
Asymptomatic: intermittent examinations
Symptomatic: permanent pacemaker
AV Blocks types, sx, dx, tx
Block occurs IN the AV node:
▪︎first-degree
▪︎second-degree Mobitz type I (Wenckebach)
Block occurs BELOW the AV node:
▪︎second-degree Mobitz type II
▪︎third-degree (complete heart block)
▪︎First-degree, Mobitz I: typically benign, rarely produces symptoms
▪︎Mobitz II, third-degree: almost always d/t pathologic disease involving the infranodal conduction system
» S/SXS: fatigue, dyspnea, presyncope, syncope
▪︎Third-degree (complete) AV block: “escape rhythms” drive the ventricle from below the block site; escape rhythm is slower than sinus (<50bpm) & MC has a narrow QRS
First-degree AV block: prolonged PR interval (>200ms)
Second-degree, Mobitz I (Wenckebach): progressively longer PR
▪︎ALL atrial impulses conducted interval followed by non-conducted P wave (dropped QRS)
Third-degree AV block: NO atrial impulses reach ventricles
Second-degree, Mobitz II: random dropped QRS, stable PR interval
tx
First-degree, Mobitz I:
*no treatment
Mobitz II: more serious
*can lead to complete
*permanent pacemaker often required
Third-degree (complete):
*permanent pacemaker imperative
Atrial Flutter definition, sx, dx, tx
Typical AFL (MC): isthmus-dependent *cavo-tricuspid isthmus
– Single reentrant circuit around tricuspid annulus (R atrium)
– Counterclockwise (MC) or clockwise
Atypical AFL: isthmus-INdependent, any area of R or L atria
*ONE irritable atrial focus causing atrial depolarization
– sudden onset/termination
*circuit usually initiated by PAC
*increased risk of thrombus formation; can lead to cerebral
or systemic embolization
S/SXS: asymptomatic, palpitations, fatigue, dyspnea, presyncope, s/sxs of HF
EKG Characteristics: atrial rate ~300bpm, ventricular rate ~150bpm
▪︎2:1 atrial-to-ventricular-rate ratio common
Typical AFL, counterclockwise: “sawtooth” pattern
▪︎flutter waves ⇢ ⊖ in inferior leads (II, III, aVF), ⊕ in V1 (resembles P waves
tx
Treatment very similar to AFIB
▪︎Unstable: cardioversion
▪︎Stable:
» Antiarrhythmics (ibutilide, flecainide, propafenone)
*Ibutilide very effective, but risk of Torsades d/t QT prolongation
» Rate control: non-DHP CCBs, beta blockers, digoxin
Definitive: radiofrequency ablation, highly effect
*pacemaker, long-term antiarrhythmics or rate control are alternatives,
anticoagulation usually required
AFib definition and types
*MC arrhythmia in the general population
– prevalence ⇡ w/ age
*MULTIPLE irritable atrial foci causing atrial depolarization
MCC: uncontrolled HTN & CAD
*valvular disease (mitral stenosis) & HF also common causes
*RISK OF THOMRBUS FORMATION/CEREBRAL OR SYSTEMIC EMBOLIZATION (e.g., stroke)
Types:
Paroxysmal: episodes last <7d, usually <24h
Persistent: lasts >7d but ≤1y; responds to cardioversion
Long-Standing Persistent: continuous AFIB that lasts >1y
Permanent: present >1y, no longer pursuing rhythm control
Lone: 1 episode in absence of structural heart disease
AFib sx and dx
S/SXS: palpitations, fatigue, dyspnea, dizziness, diaphoresis, HF SXS
dx: EKG: irregularly irregular rhythm,
▪︎absence of discrete P waves ⇢ replaced by small, rapid, continuously varying
fibrillatory waves oscillating at 350-600bpm
» coarse (≥1mm) or fine (<1mm), best seen in inferior leads/V1
▪︎ventricular rate
» normal, bradycardic (slow AFIB), or tachycardic (AFIB w/ RVR)
» most commonly 90-170bpm w/ higher rates in younger individuals
▪︎course fibrillatory waves in V1
▪︎fine fibrillatory waves in V1
▪︎AFIB w/ RVR
Additional Testing:
Holter monitor: help to screen & detect paroxysms
ECHO: should be performed in all newly diagnosed patients
▪︎MC abnormality ⇢ left atrial enlargement
AFib tx
SBP <90, ongoing MI/ischemia, pulmonary edema: immediate DCC
Stable, onset <48h: rhythm or rate control
Stable, onset ≥48h or unknown: consider rate control initially
▪︎defer consideration of electrical rhythm control until:
➀ anticoagulate x3wks, then cardiovert
➁ TEE to exclude LA thrombus
▪︎if ⊘ thrombus ⇢ cardiovert
▪︎if ⊕ thrombus ⇢ AC x3wks, then cardiovert
*Continue AC at least 4wks after cardioversion
▪︎Continuation >4wks based on RFs (CHADS-VASc)
Rate control *preferred in most
First-line: beta blockers, CCBs (verapamil, diltiazem)
▪︎MI, ischemia: beta blockers preferred (metoprolol, esmolol MC used)
▪︎Hypotension, LV dysfunction: diltiazem preferred
Rate control goals: ≤80bpm (symptomatic), ≤110bpm (asymptomatic)
Rhythm Control w/ Antiarrhythmic Drugs (AADs):
▪︎⊖ coronary or structural HD: flecainide, propafenone
▪︎⊕ LVH, CAD, systolic HF: amiodarone, dofetilide
Anticoagulation (AC) Therapy
AC of choice ⇢ DOAC: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban
▪︎First-line except: mod-to-severe MS, mechanical valve
▪︎When DOACs contraindicated ⇢ Warfarin
Long-term AFIB Therapy:
▪︎rhythm control should be attempted for most pts ⇢ Amiodarone
▪︎older patients w/ structural disease are less likely to remain in NSR &
more likely for SEs from AADs ⇢ rate control preferred (BBs, CCBs)
▪︎Refractory AFIB: catheter ablation
SVT: AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT) definition, sx, dx, tx
*HR 120-200bpm (can be faster); sudden onset/termination
*bimodal – initial presentation <20yo, reappears >50yo; MC in women
PATHO: reentry circuit via fast & slow pathways in AV node; often trigged by PAC
*PAC arrives at AV node when beta still in refractory period > down slow path > reaches ventricles when beta no longer in refractory > up fast path > reaches atria when alpha not in refractory > continuous reentry circuit
dx
EKG: HR 120-200bpm; P wave usually buried in QRS (retrograde IF visible)
*less common = pseudo-S wave (inferior leads) & pseudo-R’ wave (V1)
tx
*vagal maneuvers
– Valsalva, carotid massage
*IV adenosine first line pharmacotherapy
*catheter ablation**
Prevention: AV nodal blocking agents
*beta blockers, CCBs, digoxin